The best ride-on toys for developing motor skills

By Published April 20, 2021

Pretend play is important to the development of kids’ imagination. Whether your child loves trains, cars, or trucks, you can provide them with a ride-on toy that gives them an opportunity to move around and exercise their creativity.

If your young child seems to keep going and going, a ride-on toy is the ideal toy for them. They will love the freedom and opportunity to ride around the park, sidewalk, or any open space that lets them play safely. These toys are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers to play alone or with others. Take a look at the best ride-on toys on our list.

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Power Wheels Thomas & Friends Train with Track

Best overall

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The Power Wheels Thomas & Friends Train with Track is a battery-powered ride-on toy that Thomas fans are sure to love. It works on or off the track, to grow with your child as they become more confident and explore on their own. With fun phrases and sounds, you will be delighted to hear your child’s laughter every time they play.

Lil’ Rider Ride on Wiggle Car

Best budget ride-on toy

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For greatest durability without breaking the bank, the Lil’ Rider Wiggle Car is the ideal ride-on toy for your child. It offers smooth and quiet fun for your toddler or preschooler to safely enjoy on any flat surface. It can be used indoors or outside, and it doesn’t require any gears, batteries, or pedals.

Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor with Trailer

Best premium ride-on toy

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The Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor with Trailer is the ideal ride-on toy for kids who love farm life. This premium kiddie tractor can be used on grass, dirt, gravel, or pavement to provide hours of fun for your young child. It features two speeds, an accelerator pedal, and automatic brakes for safety.

Little kids absolutely adore the fun and excitement of ride-on toys. They keep them entertained, develop motor skills, and enhance their sense of confidence. With the items on our list, you are sure to gift your child an excellent toy that will grow with them and awaken their adventurous spirit. If you are looking for other types of educational toys, check out the best educational baby toys that help your baby develop different skills.

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Activities

Is CoComelon ‘Good’ for Kids? Experts Cite Research Pointing to ‘Yes’

Dad brushing teeth with daughter and looking in the mirror with CoComelon

Parents navigating the landscape of kids’ media often question which content genuinely benefits their little ones. Among the most popular kids’ shows today, educational programming like CoComelon has captivated young audiences worldwide, but many caregivers wonder: beyond its ability to entertain, does this musical series offer real developmental value?

Research and child development experts have revealed many details about the educational framework behind the animated series, its potential benefits, and how caregivers can maximize positive outcomes when incorporating such content into their kids’ routines.

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Experts weigh in: Why YouTube isn’t great for kids

You may rethink screen time after you know what experts say about kids watching YouTube

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It's a parenting tale as old as time. You have things to get done around the house, but a small person who says they're bored is competing with your to-do list. And so, you do what many parents do in this stretched-thin situation. You turn on the television, hand over a cellphone, or put on YouTube. But when it comes to kids watching YouTube, is it doing more harm than good?

Screens can be "addictive," as noted by Dr. David Greenfield, founder and clinical director of The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction. He explains that they have a dopamine-producing effect, and many realistic pediatric experts agree that, while screens are a part of our modern lifestyle, moderation should be enforced, and limitations be set. Parents need to learn why they should be mindful of children watching YouTube and how to lay down the screen time law at home. We'll share some tips and words of wisdom from experts in the know.
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When should your baby be able to stack blocks? Here’s what to know

Know when babies can nest cups and balance blocks by themselves

A child playing with stacking blocks

When you’re a new parent, the moment someone gifts your child their first set of blocks, you become obsessed with baby learning and when they should be able to turn the blocks into beautiful creations of their imagination. While stacking blocks are an important developmental milestone for babies, it’s also one of those things that evolves with time and practice. Sitting down to play blocks with your little one is an open-ended game that teaches children physics, resilience, and fun. When can a baby stack blocks and nest cups on their own without your help? Here are some general guidelines so you know how to measure your child’s development with their gift of stacking blocks and how to help your child get the hang of it on their own.
When can a baby stack blocks and nest cups? By age

By 6 months old
At this age, your baby might not be ready to stack blocks the way you want them to, and that's okay. This doesn't mean you can't play blocks with your child or that you shouldn't let your child have fun figuring out what the blocks are. It’s perfectly normal for your 6-month-old to gnaw on blocks or simply hold one, just don't expect them to build the Eiffel Tower just yet.
By 12 months old
This is the stage of banging items against each other and blocks or cups are no the exception. If you offer your child blocks, there may still not be a lot of creativity yet. But keep in mind that knocking things down is a favorite activity of 1-year-olds, so your child is right on track if that's all they do. More likely than not, they’ll be happy to destroy any block tower you build. If your little one can’t get enough of knocking down a stack of blocks, rest assured that they’re right on schedule.
By 18 months old
When can babies nest cups? By a year and a half, stacking is the name of the game. After all, your little one is now officially a toddler and proud of it. If you haven’t done so already, this is a great time to introduce baby blocks. At this point, most kiddos are able to stack two or three blocks on top of each other with ease.
By 2 years old
Don’t be surprised if your baby’s block masterpieces start to get taller by age 2. With improved coordination, your child shows better stacking skills and may be able to balance up to seven blocks on top of each other. This is the beginning of sorting for many young children. If they’re now stacking masters, go ahead and challenge your budding genius to sort their blocks by color or separate them in groups.
By 3 years old
Free play takes a life of its own by age 3. At this point, blocks are much more than meets the adult eye. Your child’s imagination is flourishing, and they’ll start to build tunnels, bridges, or forts with just a few blocks. This is the perfect moment to introduce your toddler to teamwork. If the two of you work together, it’s easier to build tall towers and solve construction problems. Get your child's imagination to full speed and see what they create with blocks of all colors and shapes.
The benefits of stacking blocks